The University for Development Studies (UDS) branch of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has embarked on an indefinite strike following a directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to suspend office-holding allowances for its members.
The directive, issued on April 28, 2025, has been described by the association as a breach of administrative protocol and a violation of agreed conditions of service. The decision has triggered operational disruptions at UDS, as GAUA-UDS members occupying key administrative roles have withdrawn their services effective Tuesday, May 27.
Leadership Calls Out Lack of Consultation
Addressing a press conference in Tamale, GAUA-UDS President, Dr. Stephany Adongo, expressed disappointment over what she termed as GTEC’s “unilateral action,” criticising the commission for failing to engage stakeholders prior to issuing the directive.
“The Commission’s instruction not only disregards the principles of dialogue and mutual respect but also contradicts an earlier approval granted by GTEC itself in a letter dated September 18, 2023,” Dr. Adongo stated.
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She indicated that the association had attempted to resolve the matter amicably, citing a formal appeal made to the Minister of Education on April 25, which has since gone unanswered.
Financial Strain and Institutional Impact
The association disclosed that the suspension of allowances has left some members struggling to meet essential living expenses, exacerbating frustrations within the university’s administrative workforce.
GAUA-UDS is demanding an immediate reversal of GTEC’s directive, the payment of all outstanding allowances, and the formation of a ministerial-level committee to address policy clarity around office-holding roles and related compensation structures in public universities.
Strike to Persist Until Resolution
Dr. Adongo emphasized that the strike action was a last resort after all internal avenues for resolution had been exhausted.
“Our members have shown patience, but it is now clear that without decisive government intervention, the situation will persist,” she said.
The strike is expected to impact administrative coordination and leadership across the UDS campuses until further notice.
